As councillor, Nigel Waistell was especially well-known because of the hands-on way he fulfilled his job. He served on Council from 2012 till 2020. He stayed heavily involved in the community after that time: Community Care, Botanical Gardens and the Zamia Theatre to name a few. Editor Jaap Vogel tries to figure where Nigel’s drive comes from. But first: how did he end up on the Mountain?

“My wife Pam often visited the Mountain in her childhood for day trips. 

 I’ve worked my entire career in and for the Army, both in the UK and Australia. But as early as 1982, we decided to buy a block of land on the Mountain, assuming that it would be the place to retire. And that is what happened. In 2001 we built our residence on that block, at a time when our children were independent. Still working as a reservist in Canungra, I decided to stand for councillor in 2012 and won.”

“Pam was reluctant about that choice, but I could not resist the voices in the community that called me to that role. In my first term, under John Brent, I thought that with a different Mayor, the situation would improve. I supported Cr. Christensen in 2016. He won, but the situation is still very challenging.”

“The bureaucracy that necessarily is part of the job is very hard to deal with. The real pleasure I got from community involvement. I always tried to return calls within 24 hours and liked the support I could give at a practical level to local residents. I’m also happy that I have more time to spend in the garden since I left Council. I consider Tamborine Mountain as a small, unique and ‘beautique’ – a very special place. Our community is very committed and takes offence if it perceives a lack of fairness. I like this attitude of our community.”